American Academy of Pediatrics finds indications that therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety in child cancer patients

Source: ScienceDaily October 23 2015.

A study of the effect on child cancer patients of interacting with therapy dogs is being carried out at five US hospitals by a team led by Amy McCullough, American Humane Association's National Director of Humane Research and Therapy. Preliminary results indicate that heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels can be improved through therapy dog programmes. The study, which is due to be completed in 2016, has so far involved 68 children between the ages of 3 and 17. The number of participants is expected to double by the end of the study. The behaviour and temperament of the therapy dogs are also being assessed. DO,HH